If you saw my post about thee book "1001 movies you must see before you die". You'll know that I am atempting to watch all 1001 movies. This is my review of Sherlock, Jr. (movie #21) & The Gold Rush (movie #28)
Sherlock, Jr.
When you think of the great comedic filmmakers of the silent era most definitely Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin comes into mind. Becuase they're truly are a master of their crafts and this movie is a testement to that.
This movie has everything you'd expect from a Buster Keaton movie. It has some great visual comedy but also importantly some great stunts. Everything from riding on the handlebars of a motorcycle all by himself to riding through traffic as moving cars wiz across.
At only 45 min this movie is not that long which is certanly helpful for someone who might not be that into silent movies. Persoanlly I would have like to see it be a little bit longer. For me the story and the way it was represented was interesting enough to warrant a longer cut.
Great movie, with a great story and stunts especially when you consider that Keaton did them all by himself.
Score: 8/10
The Gold Rush
Personally I liked Sherlock, Jr. a bit more, but this is still a great movie. It's an iconic movie and you've probably seen some of the scenes from this movie. Scenes like the dancing feet made with potatoes and forks, or the cabin hanging over the cliff.
This movie really shows the talent Chaplin has in making silent movies and making visual comedy. Things that come into mind for me is when snowstorm outside of the cabin is so stong that the characters can'te get out or get blown out the door on the other side. Also when two people are fighting over a gun and Chaplin has to get out of the way but no matter what he tries the gun always seem to be pointing at him.
This movie encapsulates what works best about silent movies: visual comedy. The idea that you don't need any dialouge to get a laugh. When the only tool you have is the visual one.
Score: 7/10